Injection molding machine having a side-injection sub-assembly and a method for accessing a hot passage distributor system contained therein

ABSTRACT

An injection molding machine (F) having a side-injection sub-assembly ( 30 ) and a method for readily providing access to a hot passage distributor system ( 40 ) contained therein are provided. The injection molding machine (F) includes a side-injection sub-assembly ( 30 ) having a tool injection part (B) and a hot passage distributor system ( 40 ). The hot passage distributor system ( 40 ) is sandwiched and fixedly held between the tool injection part (B) and a head plate (D). Specifically, two or more bolt members ( 10 ) attach the tool injection part (B) to the head plate (D) and are accessible from a side of the tool injection part (B). In that regard, these bolt members ( 10 ) can be detached to remove the tool injection part (B) from the hot passage distributor system ( 40 ) and provide access thereto. The injection molding machine (F) further includes a tool ejection part (A) for releasably mating to the tool injection part (B) and defining a mold cavity ( 28 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to injection molding machines,and more particularly to an injection molding machine havingside-injection sub-assembly that readily allows access to a hot passagedistributor system contained therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Injection molding machines are well known. Typical injection moldingmachines generally include a tool injection part and a tool ejectionpart, which together form two tool halves for defining a mold cavity.The tool injection part typically has one or more channels for partiallyreceiving a hot passage distributor system therethrough.

Existing injection molding machines have a construction that issubstantially difficult to dismantle for accessing various parts of themachine, e.g. the hot passage distributor system, for maintaining and/orrepairing those parts.

Therefore, a need exists for an injection molding machine having aside-injection sub-assembly that is easily manipulated for providingaccess to components therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an injection molding machine having aside-injection sub-assembly and a method for readily providing access toa hot passage distributor system contained therein. The injectionmolding machine includes a side-injection sub-assembly having a toolinjection part and a hot passage distributor system. The hot passagedistributor system is sandwiched and fixedly held between the toolinjection part and a head plate. Specifically, two or more bolt membersattach the tool injection part to the head plate and are accessible froma side of the tool injection part. In that regard, these bolt memberscan be detached to remove the tool injection part from the hot passagedistributor system and provide access thereto. The injection moldingmachine further includes a tool ejection part for releasably mating tothe tool injection part and defining a mold cavity.

One advantage of the present invention is that a side-injectionsub-assembly is provided having a construction that allows easydismantling thereof in substantially few steps.

Another advantage of the present invention is that a method foraccessing a hot passage distributor system is provided that renders easyaccess to the hot passage distributor system for maintenance, repair, orreplacement thereof.

Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent whenviewed in light of the detailed description of the preferred embodimentwhen taken in conjunction with the attached drawings and appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this invention, reference shouldnow be made to the embodiments illustrated in greater detail in theaccompanying drawings and described below by way of the examples of theinvention:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a side-injection sub-assembly and itsmode of installation in an injection molding machine, according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the injection molding machine and theside-injection sub-assembly of FIG. 1, illustrating first and secondsteps of a first operation of a method for making accessible a hotpassage distributor system contained within the side-injectionsub-assembly;

FIG. 3 illustrates the injection molding machine and the side-injectionsub-assembly of FIG. 2, illustrating a third step of the first operationmethod;

FIG. 4 illustrates the injection molding machine and the side-injectionsub-assembly of FIG. 3, illustrating a fourth step of the firstoperation method;

FIG. 5 shows the injection molding machine and the side-injectionsub-assembly of FIG. 4, illustrating first and second steps of a secondoperation of the method initiated in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 6 shows the injection molding machine and the side-injectionsub-assembly of FIG. 3′ 5, illustrating a third step of the secondoperation method; and

FIG. 7 is a logic flow diagram illustrating the method of FIGS. 1-6.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following figures, the same reference numerals are used toidentify the same parts in the various views.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an injection molding machine Fhaving a side-injection sub-assembly 30 installed therein, according toone embodiment of the invention. The injection molding machine Fincludes a tool ejection part A and a tool injection part B, which areutilized for forming a mold cavity. The tool ejection part A and thetool injection part B have a parting plane 1 therebetween generallyindicating the plane of separation between the two tool halves.

The side-injection sub-assembly 30 generally includes the tool injectionpart B and a hot passage distributor system 40. The hot passagedistributor system 40 includes a hot passage distributor block C, twonozzles 2, and a mold-on sleeve 3. It is understood that more or lessthan two nozzles 2 can be utilized as desired.

The hot passage distributor system 40 has a compact construction withthe nozzles 2 fixedly connected thereto. This hot passage distributorsystem is also ready-wired for connection to the injection moldingmachine F. In other words, the hot passage distributor system 40represents a complete unit on which all electrical and hydraulicconnections have already been made and which can be tested as is beforeinstallation thereof. It is contemplated that the hot passagedistributor system 40 can have more or less parts than those enumeratedabove.

The tool injection part B has two channels 25 formed therein forreceiving the nozzles 2 of the hot passage distributor system 40. Eachnozzle 2 has a tip opening 2A at one end that protrudes through a gatepoint into the mold cavity 26. The opposing end of each nozzle 2 isfixedly connected to the hot passage distributor block C. This hotpassage distributor block C is coupled to the injection molding machineF by way of the mold-on sleeve 3. Moreover, the hot passage distributorblock C is held between the tool injection part B and the head plate Dby way of a series of bolt fasteners 10.

The side-injection sub-assembly 30 is fastened to the fixed platform Eof the injection molding machine F by means of clamps 22. The exactalignment of the two tool halves A and B is accomplished by guide pins7, introduced from the head plate D and supported on the fixed platformE of the injection molding machine F.

The tool ejection part A is fastened to the movable platform G of theinjection molding machine F via clamps 23. Although only two clamps 23are illustrated, it will be appreciated that more or less than twoclamps 23 can be utilized as desired. In this way, the tool injectionpart A can travel back and forth (left and right as shown in FIGS. 1 and2) with the movable platform G thereby respectively opening and closingthe mold cavity.

Referring collectively to FIGS. 1-4, there is sequentially shown a firstoperation of a method for disassembling the injection molding machine Fand making the hot passage distributor system 40 partially accessiblefor maintenance and/or repair. Moreover, FIGS. 5-6 illustrate a secondoperation of the method, which is in continuation of the firstoperation. This second method makes the hot passage distributor system40 completely accessible from all directions for maintenance, repair,and/or other suitable purposes. It will be appreciated that thesesequences merely exemplify one method for accessing the hot passagedistributor system 40. In this regard, other suitable methods can beutilized with the injection molding machine and side-injectionsub-assembly, as exemplified above and otherwise claimed.

With particular attention to FIGS. 1-4, there is sequentially shown thefirst operation of accessing the hot passage distributor system 40.Also, FIG. 7 shows a logic flow diagram of this method.

Referring to FIG. 7, the first operation of the method commences in step100 and then immediately proceeds to step 102.

In step 102, as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 7, the injection molding machineF is opened. Specifically, the tool ejection part A is moved away fromthe tool injection part B by moving the movable platform G accordingly.Then, the bolt fasteners 10, which are utilized for attaching the toolinjection part B to the head plate D, are released. These bolt fasteners10 are introduced and made accessible from the side of the toolinjection part B. This feature is beneficial over existingside-injection sub-assemblies, which include bolt fasteners introducedfrom the side of the head plate D, because it provides a constructionthat can be more readily disassembled.

Furthermore, the head plate D is connected to the hot passagedistributor block C via a series of fastening screws 24. This featureallows the hot passage distributor block C to remain attached to thehead plate D while the bolt fasteners 10 are released and the toolinjection part B is removed from the side-injection sub-assembly 30.

It is understood that existing side-injection sub-assemblies include apositive dynamic connection between the head plate D and the hot passagedistributor block C by means of bolts introduced from the head plate D.According to the invention, by contrast, the corresponding boltfasteners 10 (FIG. 2) are introduced from the side of the tool injectionpart B and removed in the very first operation method. Then, thesequence proceeds to step 104.

In step 104, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 7, the tool is closed again.In the closed position, fastening devices 11, e.g. bar members 12, areutilized for receiving screws 14, 15 and attaching the tool injectionpart B to the tool ejection part A. In particular, screw 15 is unscrewedand removed from a first hole 16 a formed within the bar member 12.Then, screw 14 is loosened and the bar member 12 is rotated 180 degreesaround screw 14. Next, screw 15 is inserted into a second hole 16 b ofthe bar member 16 and utilized for fixedly attaching the bar member 12to the tool ejection part A. As a result, the new configuration includesthe tool injection part A being fixedly connected to the tool injectionpart B. In this regard, the bar member 12 provides a releasableconnection between the two tool parts A and B. This feature isbeneficial because it eliminates any obstruction typically associatedwith the tool injection part B being attached to the hot passagedistributor system 40.

Each bar member 12 is initially fastened only to the tool injection partB when the bar member 12 is not being utilized to attach the two toolhalves A and B together. However, it is understood that the bar membercan instead be stored on the tool ejection part A as desired.

It will be appreciated that the fastening device 11 may be of anyconfiguration other than the one hereinbefore exemplified. Then, thesequence proceeds to step 106.

In step 106, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the injection molding machine Fis re-opened by moving the movable platform G away from the toolinjection part B. In that way, the tool ejection part A is carried withthe movable platform G away from the tool injection part B. As a result,the hot passage distributor system 40 with its hot passage distributorblock C and the nozzles 2 are accessible from one side for maintenance,repair, or various other purposes.

That completes the first operation of the method of clearing the hotpassage distributor system. It will be appreciated that the firstoperation provides for extensive maintenance opportunities withoutrequiring that the side-injection sub-assembly 30 is completely removedfrom the injection molding machine F. For example, after completion ofthe first operation, typical maintenance performed can includereplacement of gate caps, gate points, nozzle heating means, nozzlesensors, and distributor sensors, as well as checking electrical devicesand inspecting for leakage.

The invention, therefore, after completion of the first operation,allows maintenance of the hot passage distributor system, while thesystem remains fastened to the injection molding machine.

If no further maintenance work is required, the tool injection part B ismoved back over the nozzles 2 again and the hot passage distributorblock C. Then, the bar members 12 are replaced to their originalpositions on the tool injection part B. Also, the injection moldingmachine F is re-opened, by reinserting the bolt fasteners 10 andutilizing them to re-connect the tool injection part B to the head plateD.

If further maintenance work is required, specifically maintenance on theside of the hot passage distributor system 40 opposite to the nozzles 2,then the first operation is followed by a second operation. This secondoperation is sequentially shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, as well as in steps108 and 110 in FIG. 7.

In step 108, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, a hook member 20, e.g. an eyehook, is fastened to the head plate D within a threaded hole 29 formedwithin the head plate D. Thereafter, the hook (not shown) of a crane isattached to the hook member 20. Next, the fastening of the head plate Dto the fixed platform E of the injection molding machine F is releasedby freeing and removing clamps 22 from their threaded shaft 22 a.Thereafter, the head plate D and the hot passage distributor system 40are transported to a workbench. The sequence then proceeds to step 110.

In step 110, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the hot passage distributorsystem 40 and the head plate D are placed on a workbench. On theworkbench, fastening screws 24, which are utilized for attaching thehead plate D to the hot passage distributor block C, are removedtherefrom. Also, a screw 27, which is utilized for attaching the supportflange 26 to the head plate D, is removed therefrom. As a result, thehead plate D can be lifted off the hot passage distributor system 40.

Thus, the entire hot passage distributor system 40, consisting of thehot passage distributor block C, the nozzles 2, the mold-on sleeve 3 andthe corresponding electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic connections, isomni-laterally accessible for maintenance work or a variety of otherpurposes. It is understood that the bench service associated with thesecond operation is possible without breaking the electrical, pneumatic,and hydraulic connections.

In corresponding reverse sequence of the steps of the two operationsdescribed, the side-injection sub-assembly is reassembled aftercompletion of maintenance.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed, numerous variations and alternate embodiments will occur tothose skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the inventionbe limited only in terms of the appended claims.

1. An injection molding machine comprising: a side-injectionsub-assembly having a tool injection part and a hot passage distributorsystem; a head plate for attachment to said tool injection part andholding said hot passage distributor system therebetween; at least twobolt members connecting said tool injection part to said head plate andbeing accessible from a side of said tool injection part; and a toolejection part for releasably mating with said tool injection part anddefining a mold cavity.
 2. The injection molding machine of claim 1wherein said tool injection part and said tool ejection part are coupledto each other by a fastening device, said fastening device being coupledto both said tool injection part and said tool ejection part when saidtool injection part and said tool ejection part are placed in a closedposition.
 3. The side-injection sub-assembly of claim 2 wherein saidfastening device is a bar member having at least two holes formedtherein for receiving and passing therethrough at least two screwfasteners, said at least two screw fasteners for insertion into at leasttwo respective openings that are formed in both said tool ejection partand said tool injection part.
 4. The side-injection sub-assembly ofclaim 1 further comprising: a fastening device having a bar constructionwith at least two holes formed therein for receiving and passingtherethrough at least two screw fasteners, said at least two screwfasteners for insertion into at least two respective openings that areformed in one of said tool ejection part and said tool injection partfor storage thereon.
 5. The injection molding machine of claim 1 whereinsaid hot passage distributor system includes a hot passage distributorblock, at least two nozzles, and a mold-on sleeve.
 6. The injectionmolding machine of claim 1 wherein said head plate is connected to saiddistributor block by a plurality of screw fasteners that are accessiblefrom a side of said head plate.
 7. An injection molding machinecomprising: a side-injection sub-assembly having a tool injection partand a hot passage distributor system; a head plate for attachment tosaid tool injection part and holding said hot passage distributor systemtherebetween; at least two bolt members connecting said tool injectionpart to said head plate and being accessible from a side of said toolinjection part; a tool ejection part for releasably mating with saidtool injection part and defining a mold cavity; and a hook memberreleasably attached to said hot passage distributor system forattachment to a lifting device and transporting said hot passagedistributor system.
 8. The injection molding machine of claim 7 whereinsaid tool injection part and said tool ejection part are coupled to eachother by a fastening device, said fastening device being coupled to bothsaid tool injection part and said tool ejection part when said toolinjection part and said tool ejection part are placed in a closedposition.
 9. The side-injection sub-assembly of claim 8 wherein saidfastening device is a bar member having at least two holes formedtherein for receiving and passing therethrough at least two screwfasteners, said at least two screw fasteners for insertion into at leasttwo respective openings that are formed in both said tool ejection partand said tool injection part.
 10. The side-injection sub-assembly ofclaim 7 further comprising: a fastening device having a bar constructionwith at least two holes formed therein for receiving and passingtherethrough at least two screw fasteners, said at least two screwfasteners for insertion into at least two respective openings that areformed in one of said tool ejection part and said tool injection partfor storage thereon.
 11. The injection molding machine of claim 7wherein said hot passage distributor system includes a hot passagedistributor block, at least two nozzles, and a mold-on sleeve.
 12. Theinjection molding machine of claim 7 wherein said head plate isconnected to said distributor block by a plurality of screw fastenersthat are accessible from a side of said head plate.
 13. A method ofclearing a hot passage distributor system from a side-injectionsub-assembly of an injection molding machine as recited claim 1 formaintenance purposes, comprising: opening the injection molding machine;releasing said at least two pins clamping said tool injection part tosaid head plate; closing the injection molding machine and mounting afastening device between said tool ejection part and said tool injectionpart; and pulling said tool ejection part and said tool injection partoff said hot passage distributor system by moving the tool injectionmolding machine into the open position.
 14. The method of claim 13wherein opening the injection molding machine comprises moving said toolejection part away from said tool injection part.
 15. The method ofclaim 13 wherein releasing said at least two pins comprises accessing aside of said tool injection part.
 16. The method of claim 13 furthercomprising: attaching a hook member to said hot passage distributorsystem; detaching said head plate from a fixed platform of the injectionmolding machine; and transporting said head plate and said hot passagedistributor system to a work bench.
 17. The method of claim 16 furthercomprising: detaching said head plate from said hot passage distributorsystem.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein detaching said head platecomprises detaching said head plate from a hot passage distributor blockof said hot passage distributor system.
 19. The method of claim 16wherein attaching said hook member comprises an eye hook member.
 20. Themethod of claim 16 wherein detaching said head plate comprises releasingat least one clamp affixing said head plate to said fixed platform ofthe injection molding machine.